It’s been said that courage is the point at which all other virtues are tested. And indeed, there are not many virtues that will not be tested at some point and in some way.

Our patience, trust, kindness, compassion, perseverance, and other personal virtues will hit that wall, push up against that moment, that set of conditions or that person who will push you to the edge.

It will be at that moment that particular character trait will be tested. We will be tempted to compromise, behave poorly, relax our standards and violate our own values. Or you will exercise courage in the face of difficult circumstances and prevail, staying true to what you believe is right.

It is for that reason that courage is considered the mother of all virtues because at its testing point, courage gives true birth to the character trait that had until then only been an untried value statement.

Superman has no Courage

Hollywood conveys the wrong image of courage too often. We see fearless superheroes jumping head first into all kinds of perilous confrontations. But in reality, that’s not courage.

If there’s nothing to fear (because you stop bullets, race trains and jump over tall buildings), then just what need is there of courage? I’ve never exercised courage chewing gum or brushing my teeth, not even once, because there’s never been anything to fear about chewing gum or brushing teeth.

Courage is not the absence of fear.

It is, however, the willingness to risk injury (emotional or otherwise) to do what needs to be done despite, or in the face of, the risk. It is to fear and walk into the fear because it’s the right thing to do. That is true courage. To do what you don’t fear doing is no test of virtue.

But to venture out away from your comfort zone, to wander into unfamiliar territory where moral convictions and values are tested, where hearts sink and resolve weakens, that’s when courage puts on its best show.

Incremental Courage

Courage is always easier when exercised when the temptation is smallest, in its infancy. Start there and build.

So next time you’re faced with a moral dilemma and you’re feeling weak, look deep inside for the strength to stand firm.

There, buried right next to your resolve and your will, is the courage you’ve been looking for. Brush it off and shine it up and use it liberally next time you feel tempted to sacrifice your integrity for more immediate, less noble forms of gratification.

4 Comments

“It is, however, the willingness to risk injury (emotional or otherwise) to do what needs to be done despite, or in the face of, the risk. It is to fear and walk into the fear because it’s the right thing to do. That is true courage. To do what you don’t fear doing is no test of virtue.”

Wow, wow wow. I’m faced with a daunting situation right now, and I’ve been longing for the easy way out. But that last line just pierced me right in the heart. Thanks, Ken. I’m going to re-read this. Every day.Kaylee recently posted … An Atheist Changed

Superman has no courage. Ok so I never thought of it quite like that before, but I suppose it could be true. Your description of what true courage is, is spot on. Not many can be honest (even to themselves) and say they have that kind of courage. I think that is most people’s fear, being tested to find out if they have what it takes to do the right thing when it counts.Johnny Sawyer recently posted … Can anyone learn to sing?

It’s not so much that Superman has no courage (he may have tons of the stuff), as much as it doesn’t REQUIRE courage to do what he does because there is zero threat in doing it. He can’t be hurt so doing what can’t possibly hurt you requires no courage. But to venture into unknown waters, wading out into scary conditions, but to do it even though you’re scared, THAT is courage of the highest order.

On the other hand, I believe all kinds of people exercise that kind of courage every day. The kid who refuses to give the bully his lunch money, the mother who resists the cultural pressure to get a profession with small kids still at home, the man who turns in his rapist brother to keep him from hurting more women–these KINDS of things happen all the time by decent people doing what’s right at the testing point of their values.

Still, you are probably right that most of us stumble from time to time and find ourselves compromising our values when tested. But my suspicion is that many more than we sometimes think are living noble lives of courage doing what’s right even when it’s difficult.

Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Johnny. It’s very much appreciated!

Leave a response

A Walk Through HappinessGet my FREE eBook and monthly newsletter by subscribing below!

Email Address*

First Name

Your email will NEVER be shared with anyone

About Me

My name is Ken Wert, the founder of M2bH. My purpose here is to teach you how to live a richer life of greater purpose and meaning, of mind-blowing possibility and deeper, more soul-satisfying happiness than you ever dreamt was possible. Join us on this happy adventure as you learn how to unlock your hidden potential to enjoy the rewards of a life well lived. Read more ...